Chest Measurement

When thinking about how to measure a man for a suit, you need to measure the chest for shirts, waistcoats and jackets. To measure accurately, place your measuring tape under your arms, around the widest part of your back and across your chest as shown on the image.

Ensure that you don't pull the tape tight to your chest, making sure to give 2 or 3 fingers of movement under the tape measure. Leaving this space ensures that you have a comfortable, tailored fit without the final piece being too tight.

Crown to Cuff

The crown to cuff measurement determines the length of your jacket sleeve. This measurement must be correct if you want to show your shirt cuff below your jacket sleeve.

To get an accurate measurement, pull the tape from the middle of your shoulder’s crown down to your wrist.

Back length

The back length can vary from brand to brand, and it depends on personal preference.

If you already have a jacket that you like the length of, we advise that you use this as a reference.

Measure from below the collar stand down to the hem of your preferred jacket length.

Alternatively, if you do not have a jacket for reference, hold your arm straight down to your side, and measure your back length until it is in line with your knuckle.

Trouser Inside Leg and Outside Leg

When measuring your inside and outside leg length, it is vital to have your trousers sitting where you usually wear them. You will also need to consider where you want them to sit on your shoes.

For your inside leg measurement, place the tape measure on top of the inside leg and measure down to the hem, or wherever you would like the trouser to sit, pulling the tape measure tight as you do so.

For the outside leg measurement, measure from the top of the waist to the base of your shoe, excluding the heel.

Jacket Waist Measurement

Understanding how to measure for a suit jacket to suit your figure and body structure is crucial as this gives the all-important fitted look.

Firstly, ensure that you measure the narrow section above your hips and below your chest; this is your natural waist. Pull the tape measure firm but not too tight as this provides room for adjustment.

If you’re looking for a slimmer fit, we can always tweak this if you visit us in our Hull store.

Centre Back

Generally, we would measure for the centre back measurement from the middle of your back to your arm’s inside. For ease of measurement, please measure the entire span of your back.

Notice on the example photo that we measure from the broadest part of the shoulder across to the other when showing how to measure for a suit.

Trouser Waist Measurement

Next up on how to measure for a suit in the UK is the trousers. This measurement differs from your natural waist measurement.

Trousers sit slightly higher than jeans which is why you need to pull your trousers up to your waist before measuring. 

Measure around your waist where your trouser waistband sits. Then pull the tape measure firm but not too tight. 

The waist measurement on suit trousers is designed for easy alterations to get that perfect tailored fit. Waist measurements may vary with different manufacturers, making this an essential measure.

Trouser Seat Measurement

The seat measurement is the most crucial trouser measurement because this cannot be altered easily.

For the trouser seat measurement, stand with your feet parallel and pull the measuring tape around the seat’s most prominent part and around your hips. Measure firmly but not too tight.

The seat measurement is usually more pronounced for athletes, which often means you need to go up a trouser size and have the waist reduced.

Make sure to follow every step of this simple guide on how to measure for a suit and you will have no trouble in purchasing a ready to wear suit or shopping for suits online.